98z loosing x Position

[dichdoc]

So 98z in use since October 2013 still on the original belt for x axis. cutting multiple parts from a 4x4 sheet got through most of them and then the machine "lost" it's postion (cut the logo fine and then when cutting the outside of the part it went to far to the right and then not far enough back to the left and cut up through the logo. Seemed to happen at the far end of the the table. Changed the belt. The manual said to remove the two small screws that hold the motor to change the belt (I assume they mean the two allen head ones) but I couldn't break one loose so I took the two 3/8" bolts loose and moved the whole assembly to the bench and got the allen heads loose. The belt did show some wear. Put it back together and cut the remaining parts and another 4x4 sheet. Then cutting 1/2" plate yesterday it did the same thing shredded another belt. Did I not get the belt tensioned properly? Something else I should look for? How do you change the belt by just takine the motor off? Posted theis on the PlasmaCam forum too. Thanks, Travis

[BrianMick]

My guess is the little aluminum gear is shot too. I always replace both the belt and the gear at the same time(the price is not that much) Have you tried marking across the belt the gear and the motor spindle to see where it is slipping?
Brian

[dichdoc]

I cleaned it all up made the marks and made lots of cuts today with no issues so I guess I'm good for now. I think I'll order some gears and more belts for the old girl just in case. Thanks Travis